Afterplay for Portner: Nothing draws consequence from the acquittal

Handball - Afterplay for Portner: Nothing draws consequence from the acquittal

The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) is appealing the acquittal of goalkeeper Nikola Portner at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Despite a positive doping test in early April, Portner, goalkeeper of SC Magdeburg, was unanimously acquitted by the Bundesliga (HBL) in late June.

NADA disagrees with this decision, as stated in their announcement. "NADA sees in this case a fundamental and groundbreaking need for review and clarification with international implications and therefore calls on CAS," it says.

Positive Doping Test in Early April

Portner tested positive for Methamphetamines in early April. Despite a lengthy hearing, the HBL still decided on a not guilty verdict, stating that "the amount of the banned substance found in the athlete's body was so small that an active intake and performance-enhancing effect cannot be excluded, and that there is no indication of intentional or negligent intake," according to the league.

Portner himself had always maintained that he had not knowingly taken the substance. The league assumed an unintentional contamination.

However, the NADA decision now leaves open the possibility that Portner may still face a ban. Initially, the German champion had planned to begin preparation for the new season with goalkeepers Portner and Sergey Hernandez after the summer break. The outcome for Portner remains uncertain at this time.

1. The Bundesliga's acquittal of SC Magdeburg's goalkeeper Nikola Portner, despite a positive doping test in April, has sparked a appeal by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) at the International Court of Sport (CAS).
2. Portner, hailing from Saxony-Anhalt, was unanimously acquitted by the Handball Bundesliga (HBL) in late June, causing controversy within the Handball community in Germany.
3. The Handball Team of SC Magdeburg was expecting to commence preparation for the new Handball Bundesliga season with goalkeepers Portner and Sergey Hernandez after the summer break.
4. Nikola Portner's acquittal following a positive doping test for Methamphetamines has been met with disagreement by NADA, prompting it to call for a review and clarification with international implications.
5. The afterplay of Portner's doping case has far-reaching implications for the Handball community, not only in Germany but also in Switzerland where Portner has represented the national team.
6. The Swiss Handball Federation has expressed concern over the acquittal, urging the International Handball Federation (IHF) to investigate further and ensure fair play within the sport.
7. Portner's doping case has put a spotlight on the Handball Bundesliga's doping policies, leading to calls for stricter regulations and penalties for offenses to maintain the integrity of the game.

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